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Creamy Italian Pasta Salad Perfection: The Best Easy Recipe

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This creamy Italian pasta salad is the perfect side dish for any occasion. Made with simple ingredients like rotini, pepperoni, salami, mozzarella, and a tangy homemade dressing, it’s quick, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) rotini pasta
  • 1 oz packet Italian dressing mix
  • 1 cup (240 ml) mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 small red onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) black olives, sliced
  • 4 oz (115 g) pepperoni, diced
  • 4 oz (115 g) salami, diced
  • 8 oz (225 g) mozzarella pearls
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Add a generous tablespoon of salt. Add the rotini and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally.
  2. Rinse and cool the pasta: Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold running water until cool to the touch. Shake well to remove excess water. Let it sit and drain.
  3. Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, red wine vinegar, and the entire packet of Italian dressing mix until smooth. Add 2 tablespoons of milk and whisk again. If too thick, add another tablespoon of milk. Set aside.
  4. Prep the vegetables: Dice the bell pepper, cucumber, and red onion. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Slice the olives if needed. Toss everything into a large bowl.
  5. Prep the meats and cheese: Dice the pepperoni and salami into small cubes. Add to the bowl with the vegetables. Add the mozzarella pearls and chopped parsley.
  6. Combine everything: Add the cooled, drained pasta to the large bowl. Pour the dressing over the top. Fold everything together gently but thoroughly until well coated.
  7. Season and rest: Taste and add salt and black pepper as needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  8. Final toss and serve: Give the salad a good stir before serving. If dry, add a splash of milk or extra dressing. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

For best flavor, let the salad rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or overnight. The salad keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make extra dressing to refresh leftovers. For a vegetarian version, omit the meats and add chickpeas or tofu. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy Italian pasta salad, easy pasta salad, cold pasta salad, potluck salad, summer salad, Italian dressing, pepperoni, salami, mozzarella

Find it online: https://cookdella.com/creamy-italian-pasta-salad-perfection-the-best-easy-recipe/